Amanda's Musings

Olive oil is made from the fruit of the olive tree, which is naturally high in healthy fatty acids. Extra virgin olive oil health benefits are well known and include lowering rates of inflammation, heart disease, depression, dementia and obesity.

But not all olive oil is created equal! Here are some things to consider when you purchase.

There are several types of olive oil available:

Extra virgin olive oil – produced by cold pressing without chemicals or heat. This has the most health benefits

Virgin olive oil – comes from a second pressing and possibly riper olives but still a good product.

“Light” olive oil – refined olive oil that may be chemically processed and blended with cheaper vegetable oils. This product may be rancid due to high heat processing and I suggest avoiding it.

If the oil is super cheap, it probably isn’t real. Spend a little more! You get what you pay for.

Check the label for a seal from the International Olive Oil Council (IOC).

A good olive oil will solidify when it’s cold and refrigerated because of its chemical structure. If it doesn’t become cloudy and thicken then it is not pure olive oil.

Look for a harvesting date on the label to know that the oil is still fresh. An unopened bottle of good quality olive oil lasts for up to two years from the date it was bottled if you store it in a cool, dark place. Once the bottle is opened, it should be used within a few months.